pippijoe

Jingle Bells

2011-12-05T16:27:00.001+11:00

The Christmas Tree has been decorated and in the spirit of giving, all orders within Australia now have free postage. hooray!

Waterhen in Ocean fresh off the table!

DIY Advent Calendar

2011-11-26T15:00:00.001+11:00

It's true... I am easily distracted. Today is my few precious child free hours, I planned to get everything ready for markit@fedsquare tomorrow!

Instead, in a fit of Christmas Spirit I made a 'make your own' Advent Calendar. All you have to do is print out the 4 A4 pages below onto some card, cut them out, fold up the boxes and fill them with treats!

I used double sided tape when I was making the boxes (remember to leave to top flap with the number unstuck!) but you could use glue-stick instead.

For the main tree, print two pages and stick them back to back onto another piece of card to make it stronger.

Don't worry, I did package up some lovely organic cotton fabric bundles, so I won't be at markit empty handed.

Introducing...

2011-11-15T14:25:00.001+11:00

Ficus in toffee and sherbert, modelled here by my newest trainee assistant! She's helping me get ready for Markit in less than 2 weeks. I'm looking forward to getting out and being surrounded by lovely creative people again, it's been a while!

Please come and say hi! We'll be in the Atrium in Fed Square on sunday the 27th November from 10 until 5. Can't wait!

Pegs

2011-11-07T12:34:00.000+11:00

Today I'm making pegboards for MarkIt

and a place to keep my colour swatches

a little update

2011-11-03T14:37:00.002+11:00

Whoops.. missed a month, but that's what happens when you have a 7 month old!

I've also been doing a bit of embroidery..

and planning for a day out with some new designs, kits and other goodies here..

ps. waterhen tomato is finally back in stock

Doilies

2011-09-30T13:39:00.001+10:00

After a few failed attempts at crocheting doilies, I've decided to make them from clay.

felt flowers

2011-08-24T11:51:00.002+10:00

Twirled these up from little spirals of felt and a hot glue gun.

In Print

2011-08-06T14:32:00.001+10:00

This weekend's Financial Review had a very interesting article about organic fabric! :)

Framed

2011-07-21T15:11:00.001+10:00

Lovely old inherited cutlery, a frame from the camberwell market, some gloss white paint and some glue. Now to find somewhere to hang it!

sunday craft

2011-06-05T13:51:00.009+10:00

Inspired by the around the world letters from urban outfitters. We used cardboard, an old street directory and glue to make our own. One for each child, we chose a page for each which had a street bearing their name. sweet!

on my floor

2011-06-03T11:41:00.004+10:00

I've been sewing together rows of fabric to make a quilt. Not great at following patterns but I'll sew together these strips and I think it will be very cosy!

Home grown

2011-05-30T12:30:00.001+10:00

The last of the beetroot harvest.

Always ready to learn...

2011-05-22T21:48:00.005+10:00

A trip to the Camberwell Market to look for picture frames became a lesson in becoming a better wife with the purchase of "Everybody's Magazine" from 1962.

eep... "Every man has an image of himself that surpasses a combination of Rock Hudson, Lochinvar and Prince Phillip. You are courting disaster or playing into the hands of some local Cleopatra by not endorsing his image with frequent hearty cheers."

so glad we're in the 21st century!

Dressed up

2011-05-14T17:56:00.004+10:00

Getting distracted from the quilt, today we made a summer dress. Just in time for winter..

On my table

2011-05-03T13:58:00.004+10:00

A pile of fabric earmarked for a quilt and a new book by my very clever friend full of inspiring projects!

...can I draw your attention to page 86? You might recognise something :)

Elka

2011-04-30T15:53:00.007+10:00

I'm thrilled to be able to show off a new print I've been working on! Elka has been printed on a few different weights of fabrics suitable for all sorts of projects like heavy upholstery, clothing, craft and quilts! I've cut up a bit off the roll and am about to start to make something... will let you know when it's done (but don't hold your breath, things move quite slowly around here these days!)

Elka Black on heavyweight hemp

Elka Cinnamon on hemp

Elka Storm on hemp/organic cotton.

Elka Black on a slightly lighter weight hemp/organic cotton.

Yay!

Stitching

2011-04-29T15:15:00.004+10:00

A bit of stitching, a spare button and an old piece of felt has turned a plain cushion into a favourite.

In the pipeline

2011-04-07T14:17:00.003+10:00

I can't wait for this fabric to be completed! Meanwhile, I'm trying to find projects that can be completed with one hand.

New stockist

2011-04-06T10:10:00.002+10:00

If you're in Tassie you should go visit the brand new shop Eco Nook in North Hobart. Say hi to Bek who has been busy for months putting together a gorgeous collection of eco friendly goodies!

paper cut outs

2011-04-03T15:27:00.002+10:00

Annika Ruby

2011-03-25T16:33:00.005+11:00

Not yet a week old but completely loved by her two big siblings! She's obviously into housework and would only sleep last night next to the running dishwasher. Today it was the washing machine. I'm all out of dirty clothes now, you're welcome to drop some off. Minimum charges apply.

I love Melbourne!

2011-03-09T13:36:00.004+11:00

Queen Victoria Hospital, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

I'm a Brisbane girl at heart, but have always loved Melbourne (I've been here 12 years now!). I'm sure it's partly due to the fact that many of the old buildings have been designed by my great great grandfather JJ Clark. I like to decorate my home, he decorated the city.

Old Treasury Building, Spring Street, Melbourne

The State Library of Victoria is having a talk about his work next month! I may not make it as baby #3 is due this sunday. My phone app says it's the size of a watermelon and I've a 5.81% chance of giving birth today.

Inspired...

2011-02-12T13:40:00.004+11:00

Oooh! March Inside Out Magazine! Makes me want to redecorate!

A little craft

2011-02-01T09:55:00.003+11:00

I had a lovely day last week being creative with mrs HB and a pile of chocolate biscuits. Inspired by this little bit of applique by red pepper quilts, I thought I'd add colour to the Laundry Birds. Now to find a frame..

Free time for drawing and craft has been sadly lacking recently but with kinder and school going back I'm looking forward to a little creative space. At least for the next 6 weeks... when I'm not otherwise busy decluttering and nesting ready for bub number 3 - eek!

New traditions

2010-12-13T20:59:00.003+11:00

This weekend, with bellies full of donuts, the kids and I decorated the Christmas tree. Well, I did most of the decorating while they kept me in the spirit by singing Hanukkah songs and their own rendition of "latke larry"

Happy Holidays!

Nesting

2010-11-09T11:49:00.002+11:00

With my own bump getting bigger, I've been thinking about what I need for number 3. I absolutely love this sling by a.k.a. pipik!

Before and After

2010-10-27T13:31:00.003+11:00

I love projects! Especially ones which make old things new again... Two lucky girls with very clever grandparents now have a new seat to relax in.

November issue

2010-10-07T10:00:00.003+11:00

I'm completely going to blame pregnancy hormones for the misplacement of my camera charger, and have resorted to using my phone for these images... a bit exciting and particularly special to be surrounded by designers I know and admire!

Quietly working on a few things

2010-09-02T17:33:00.002+10:00

Have I just missed a month? Time is just whizzing past so I'm just going to show you a few things made by other people.

Such cute clothing by clever parisians; their online shop will open soon!

and I love this bench seat made from copper pipes by the very creative floery mahoney!

In the meantime, I'm three months into a nine month project... have an almost completed new design which I promise I'll show you soon... and there's a noisy possum in the kitchen wall.

all kitted out

2010-07-27T11:23:00.003+10:00

With soup bubbling on the stove, I've been curled up under a blanket trying to be crafty. I'm not yet sure whether this crocheting gig is going to catch on in this house, but I'm giving it a red hot go! I'll let you know if I ever create something worth talking about...

p.s. I've just updated the pippijoe craft section with kits, patterns and a couple of oddment packs. I hope you like what you see!

What I did over the holidays...

2010-07-14T16:13:00.009+10:00

First of all there was the Finders Keepers in Brisbane, I wish I could show you some of my own pics, but I was just too busy to take one! Anyway, above are two I ‘borrowed’ from their website.

Needless to say it was a fantastic event, lovely people, bands, food and masses of beautiful things to see! I've just heard today the exciting news that FK will be in Melbourne this October!

Also a lovely relaxing weekend full of food, wine, creativity and fabulous company at Sewjourn. I have to say I relaxed and ate more than I created, but still came home with a few things to show and tell:

My first book binding project! (Thanks Cathy)

Table Runner

Button Tree

Paper flowers

They are now arranged or framed and up on my wall, as I’ve just tarted up the house for some visitors. But now they have gone, it can all fall into disarray as per usual.

Paper Flowers and Button Tree framed and on the wall

Greener

2010-06-21T14:15:00.003+10:00

To celebrate the new lighter 100% organic cotton, there is now a new run of laundry birds in Pesto! For the less green loving amongst us - though still environmentally aware - it's also available in white on black hemp/organic cotton.

Finding time for the important things..

2010-06-18T16:55:00.004+10:00

I should be packing, folding, cutting and generally getting ready for the Finders Keepers next weekend in Brisbane. But I'm not.. I'm going out for dinner.

I'll get onto it tomorrow... Meanwhile there are a few words about pippijoe over here

Have a good Friday night!

Getting the perfect picture

2010-06-15T21:48:00.008+10:00

Black Orchard on off white hemp/organic cotton

I've spent today taking photos to update my website, it's been sadly neglected... I find getting a good picture quite tricky, the sunlight these days has been patchy at best and I'd never profess to being a photographer. Also, I really would love to communicate the texture and feel of the fabric which I find is completely lost when the flash is used.

White Daisies on black hemp/organic cotton

Happily, looking back at pictures from early days of pippijoe, I can see that I'm improving (from a very low benchmark)... and that is very satisfying!

Hopefully I'll get the pics up onto the website in another day or two!

p.s. any tips for a hack like me would be greatly appreciated!!

Midnight!

2010-06-11T21:40:00.003+10:00

I'm thrilled to announce a new basecloth and colourway in the pippijoe collection!

Daisies has just been printed in midnight and the ever popular red on a gorgeous 100% organic cotton. It's a bit lighter than the hemp/organic cotton I often choose, so is perfect for clothing with a lovely drape. It's still a great weight for crafts, in fact I have a plan for some this weekend...

...and yes, it's also a good weight for quilty projects!

Sketching Kit Tutorial

2010-06-08T16:54:00.006+10:00

This fancy folder is great to keep your pencils and paper neatly at hand for whenever inspiration strikes or as a sweet distraction for the kidlets when you're out and about. It's really quite simple to make and you only need two small pieces of fabric, so give it a go!

You need:

Fabric for cover (Fabric 1) rectangle 35 x 26cm
Fabric for lining (Fabric 2) rectangle 40 x 35cm
Ribbon to match Fabric 1: 70cm long, 1cm wide
Iron on Interfacing 33 x 24cm
Thread to match fabric 1
Chalk or fading marker
Sewing Machine

To put into folder:

A5 sketch pad
Drawing pens/pencils

Take fabric for lining (Fabric 2). With wrong side facing up, fold bottom side of fabric up by 1cm, press, fold it over another centimetre and press again. Machine stitch hem in place.
Fold bottom up 8cm as shown and press.
Use chalk or fading marker to mark the vertical centre line of the lining fabric, and the pen pockets as shown in diagram.
Divide into pockets by machine stitching once down the middle then dividing the left side into four pockets.
Take the Cover Fabric (Fabric 1). Place interfacing shiny side down onto wrong side of Fabric 1. Centre the interfacing allowing 1cm seam allowance around the outside. Place the ribbon across the centre of the width on the right side of the cover fabric as shown below. Pin in place.
Roll over the end of the ribbon twice and machine stitch to stop from fraying. Stitch ribbon to cover leaving it free 5cm in from each side.
With the pocket side of Fabric 2 facing up place the Fabric 1 right side down on top. Pin into place.
With ribbon folded neatly within, clear of the seams, sew cover and lining together around the perimeter leaving a gap for turning. Allow 1cm for seams. Clip the corners as shown.
Turn the fabric right side out. (Use a chopstick to push the corners out.)
Press making sure the gap left open for turning has hem neatly turned and tucked inside.
Top stitch around the sketching kit 5mm in from the edge. Make sure you keep the ribbons out of the way!
Place sketch pad and pencils into pockets
Close and tie using ribbons.

Heading to Vegas!

2010-06-03T21:17:00.007+10:00

I need little enticement to head to Brisbane given it's my home town, there's a new niece to squish and it's much warmer than misty Melbourne. So, conveniently coinciding with the mid year school holidays, I'm excited to announce I'll be at the next Finders Keepers which will again be held in the gorgeous old Museum Building. I'm looking forward to seeing all the local Brisbane designers and catching up with some old friends, while the kids are otherwise entertained at their grandparents place. It's a win-win!

wrapped up

2010-05-20T12:57:00.005+10:00

I had such a great time at the Stitches and Craft show recently! Liesl (aka Hoppo Bumpo) was lovely company and not (as others may have thought) a blue hippo at all. Her Shower Cap kits were such a hit, that you can now buy them from her brand new online shop! My neighbour at the show was once again the talented and oh so friendly Michelle whose beautiful crocheted necklaces tempted me once again!

It's wonderful to be surrounded by so much creative talent and I've been inspired to try a few new crafts. None have yet been successful enough to show off but hopefully with practice I will have a granny square or a scarf to show off in the near future. I have a yearning for the banshee's wool but first have to learn how to put it to good use!

Given that I haven't managed to pull a blog post together since the show I was most impressed to see Andi's ottoman creation all made from fabric bought from the show. Pippijoe fabric has been mixed with ink and spindle, kristen doran and yardage design. I love love love it and am looking at my old brown ottoman in a new light...

Feeling Crafty?

2010-04-29T17:52:00.005+10:00

I'm up to my ears in fabric, kits and other paraphernalia trying to get organised for the Stitches and Craft show being held at Caulfield Racecourse next week!

The most exciting news is that Liesl, aka Hoppo Bumpo, will be sharing her skills in a Craft Lab to make one of her world famous shower caps. Pippijoe fabric will be supplied in the kit, so you'll be able to take home a bit of glamour for your bathing pleasure or whip one up for your Mum!

Paris Tasmania Fitzroy

2010-04-27T14:41:00.005+10:00

Tara's cushions in the shopfront set off by the amazing hand knitted paper curtain

I was lucky enough to be invited to Tara Badcock's Art Textiles launch at the gorgeous shop Tiger & Peacock in North Fitzroy. Tara's exquisite embroidered cushions were the star of the show in amongst some stunning homewares and artworks.

Incredible detail and delicate needlework

Such a beautiful collection of treasures and definitely worth a look, then head next door to the Moroccan Soup Bar to satisfy your belly.

Me and Tara cradling some cushions!

Why throw away your memory?

2010-04-19T14:29:00.006+10:00

Gorgeous illustrations and a sweet little Fatina brooch

Shop facade decorated with all sorts of kitsch

I've just arrived back from a little jaunt through Tokyo and Hong Kong. I have loads to catch up on and kidlets to cuddle but just wanted to share this little shop I found in the back streets of Soho, Hong Kong. Chocolate Rain is a shop full of gorgeous handmade creations all made from your favourite old clothing that is too good to throw away, while upstairs there is a little sewing room with local crafty chicks making sweet purses, brooches and other treasures.

A patchwork of inspiration and pretty pictures all bound up!

Sketch book peek

2010-04-09T18:13:00.001+10:00

A little sneak peek at a design I'm working on... more to come soon!

Basket Case

2010-03-13T16:22:00.006+11:00

In a burst of productivity I have put together a collection of fabric basket kits. I love these baskets and have been using them to store my wool and knitting needles for a very slowly progressing kid's scarf. I also have one in the kitchen to store tea towels in and another I use as a handbag.

The kit includes pippijoe fabric, pattern pieces, instructions, lining fabric and interfacing so all you need are scissors, pins, a sewing machine and thread to match. Simple!

I have included directions for this cute little mini version - at 19cm tall it's the perfect size for an easter egg hunt and easy to make from any small scraps you have lying around! yay!

Seeing red

2010-02-26T15:01:00.002+11:00

I'm definitely a red girl so it was only a matter of time before this old favourite was hotted up. New fabric in the shop now. In the meantime I'm making up some cushions and shades to take along to Magnolia Square at a new location in St Kilda Town Hall. It's just 3 weeks away, so I'd better get cracking!

Favourites

2010-02-09T11:02:00.003+11:00

Ordering new fabric, kinder run, thinking about the year ahead and very flattered to have been awarded 2nd place (along with repeat) in the favourite textiles - jury's choice. Skinny Laminx the lovely designer from Capetown scored a most deserved first place! I'm thrilled to have been chosen from such a creative group of designers. Thanks to all who voted!

Wonderful week!

2010-02-02T10:30:00.005+11:00

Blue skies, kinder starts, gorgeous eggshell waterhens, quiet coffee breaks and time to work on new designs!

p.s. this is a new full width "large waterhen" print, the birds are ever so slightly larger than the original print and the fabric is 140cm wide!

Pop on over and click

2010-01-25T10:28:00.001+11:00

What an honour! I’ve just had a message from Jan and Earl at Poppytalk to say that pippijoe has been nominated for their Handmade Awards event under the category of "Favourite Textiles"! Head on over here to view all the nominated designers and please vote (for pippijoe if you wish! J )

Happy New Year!

2010-01-18T14:11:00.004+11:00

I know, it's the third week of January but finally our little family is back from the beach and other warmer climes and slowly gearing up for the new year. Along with the new year has come a fabulous new stockist in Sydney. Shelf/life has now opened it doors in Surry Hills showcasing a selection of handmade goodies! Of course, not all of us live nearby this lovely suburb, so lucky for us they also have a delicious blog!

December update

2009-12-14T19:09:00.006+11:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I've had a chance to sit down. As is it I have a child on my lap as I type and a to do list that is trailing out the door. The Melbourne Design Market was a fantastic day, sunny and blue and not too hot and I even had breezes and a view of the Yarra from my nook!

I've borrowed this pic from hot or not who visited the market and took some lovely pics of a few things there, which was lucky for me as I dumped a drink in my bag the next day and my camera is now no more (I hope santa is reading this!)

I'm not the only one who's been busy, I recently made up an exclusive collection of cushions for State of Green, a brand new online shop for environmentally happy people. I'm so pleased to see it up and running!

So back to my busy week, school holidays have started and there's less time that usual to create things. The online shop will stay open for the break but if you would like something before the new year, please order it by Wednesday this week!

Hope your week is full of fun too!

take a seat!

2009-11-22T14:35:00.002+11:00

It took me a while to decide which fabric to use, but I can now present this gorgeous 1940s chair which I've had completely reconditioned and upholstered in time for the Melbourne Design Market. I'll be there on Sunday the 6th December, so if you're around Federation Square come visit me!

My Creative Space

2009-11-13T10:25:00.006+11:00

Mobiles! This one is made from circles of fabric which are glued together and dried curled then threaded with beads. Threads are dangling from a lovely piece of driftwood. To see other creative spaces visit Kirsty here.

Ta da!

2009-10-28T18:43:00.002+11:00

As promised, here are the other Bauhinia colours, Raspberry on off white hemp/cotton and White on Black hemp/cotton all freshly in the shop!

Bauhinia

2009-10-27T12:54:00.004+11:00

Welcome the warm weather and a new design! Yay! Bauhinia (a return to my tropical roots) is now in the shop in teal on 100% cream hemp. Another two yummy colourways are on their way! Also plenty more full width red orchard available. I've got plenty of new crafty ideas and I'm kid free for the next 3 hours, what a day!

Lovely Treats

2009-10-26T10:59:00.003+11:00

Not only for kids parties! I was lucky to be invited to a glam girls night out where we each took home a delicious lolly bag! Gorgeous handmade gifts made a really memorable night! Sweet polka dot partyware was created by another guest at the party!
Another sweet treat arrived in the mail from the old grey house in the form of these gorgeous rustic handmade buttons. I'm trying to think up a project, maybe a necklace or a belt? I think they suit a bit of macrame so it be a 70s theme!

Beautiful Bowerbird

2009-10-17T13:49:00.006+11:00

Fabulous weekend in Adelaide at the Bowerbird Bazaar. I spent much of the time coveting these cumulus lights by enoki.

(I've taken this pic from their website)

Unfortunately didn't pack my camera so photos from my phone will have to do!

Here's a peek of some Feed the Dog cushions, Carmel makes some beautiful textile and paper creations!

Also Surface Art, Sprout Design and Third Drawer Down!

The images are a little lacking, I'll pack a camera next time! There were so many gorgeous creations, you can see the full list here.

In a rush

2009-10-02T20:01:00.005+10:00

It's been a busy old afternoon with a new colourway heading off to duckcloth in a lovely grass green. It's not there yet, but will be soon! I do have a little bit left here which I'm taking to the sisters' market tomorrow. Completely last minute decision to go, hopefully I'll be ready in time! I've got just over 12 hours to prepare so just fabric this time!

The rest will be coming with me to Adelaide next week for the Bowerbird Bazaar which is on next weekend!

"T" for Treat

2009-09-30T19:37:00.003+10:00

What a treat when I went to the mail box to find a little surprise package from the very talented Tara Badcock. If you went to Stitches and Craft Show you may have seen her wonderful Tea Cosy Revolution creations. Such a clever lady!
It's a pincushion with a "C" for Caitlin using a very familiar fabric on the back :)

Felted and rested

2009-09-23T14:58:00.003+10:00

We've escaped to the beach for the school holidays. I've been watching the rain coming in over the water, exploring rockpools and playing with felt. I made this necklace as a gift a little while ago and wasn't able to blog about it until now! I love the texture of the felt against the bright red grosgrain ribbon!

I'm enjoying plenty of relaxation and tea before I begin to get ready for a trip to Adelaide for the Bowerbird Bazaar. If you're in Adelaide for the weekend of the 9-11th October, please come and say hi!

New Nancy

2009-09-16T18:30:00.003+10:00

An old fashioned toy rediscovered! I have plans for a necklace wrapped around and around.

painted pods

2009-09-03T16:07:00.003+10:00

Why does it rain just in time for school pick up? Today started so well with amazing clear blue skies and spring in the air. We spent the morning at the park, then came back and did some painting outside. Just a collection of pods. Not sure what I will do with them next...

Sydney update

2009-08-27T12:20:00.013+10:00

I'm finally back in the real world and slowly ploughing through emails and sorting out children, fabric, dinners etc. Last week, the Stitches and Craft Show in Sydney was fantastic! There was so much colour, creativity and inspiration. Here are some pics, I wish I could show more:

more than two little banshees (one smaller than the other two!)

very cute girlies at the red thread

fabulous display of hats and bags by nikki

rolls of winterwood felt
my neighbour over the fence made it

kristen's gorgeous fabrics
cheeky kids with crayons
just a few of the gorgeous fat quarters by the ink and spindle girls
lovely warm body parts scarves
some of the lovely bettina's fabric selection

and a little view of pippijoe!

So glad to be back, albeit in a mess, but so so happy I went!

Hello from Sydney!

2009-08-21T08:26:00.002+10:00

I'm about to head off to day 3 at the Stitches and Craft show, it's a beautiful sunny day and my stall has an incredible view over the racecourse to the city. I've been so busy over the last few days meeting so many people, crafters and bloggers. Thanks for saying hi, I love meeting people face to face after making acquaintance online.

The incubator section of the show (on level 4) is full to the brim of independent designers and it's been fabulous for me to spend time amongst them all. If you're in Sydney, do come in and say hello, there are so many interesting people and goodies around. I've taken a few pics and will upload them when I'm back in Melbourne next week.

Have a great day!

oodles of oddments

2009-08-12T18:02:00.002+10:00

I hitched a ride to the freight depot today with justine and we managed to offload all our gear to be shipped to Sydney for the Stitches and Craft show! I'm so excited! I've been cleaning up the debris and have put together oodles of oddments packs which I'll take up as well. Ok, maybe not oodles, 10, but a good looking 10! So they've been packed into the bag of all the other things I *should* have put on the semi already..

Also, I've heard a rumour that the incubator section of the show is on the same floor as the champagne bar, and it will be open on saturday... which can only be a good thing?

Cheers to that!

Catching up again

2009-08-05T15:34:00.005+10:00

I know it was a few days ago now, but I had a great day at the sisters market! Spent much of my time chatting to nikki who has some gorgeous table runners and tea towels and checking out tshirts by simon. I was lucky to have few visitors too! Thank you Lisa for hanging around to help me pack up!

I also saw an old friend (we studied Landscape Architecture together at Melbourne Uni) who I'd sadly lost touch with 5 or so years ago. She was in Melbourne overnight to see Pink and is now involved in the Mothers Market in Hobart and makes gorgeous cards. Amazingly she was carrying a ParisTasmania bag made by the very talented Tara Badcock using my fabric. Meant to be? I might have to make the trip to Tassie for the next market!

Am furiously trying to get some order in this place while the kids are otherwise entertained! I've just sent off new "Large Waterhen" artwork in full width for upholstery weight fabric, just a small run but am planning the next colour already! Am working on a little kit, may run out of time for that today, more on that later!

Apple fresh

2009-07-31T14:30:00.006+10:00

Busy day... New fresh apple and plenty of teal daisies and orchard prints just in time for the Sisters Market tomorrow with enough left over to take up to Sydney for Stitches and Craft. Also dropped off some goodies to the lovely Claude - can't wait to see the window display!

Making it

2009-07-27T19:05:00.000+10:00

We're back from a lush weekend in Sydney. Each time I go there I discover a new area that I'd never seen before and fall in love with the city more than the last time! This time I explored the streets of Surry Hills and Woollahra and found so many gorgeous shops full of stuff. I loved fossicking in Orson and Blake, When David met Nicole and Bird. I just adore being able to walk and walk and discover new places. Have you rated your neighbourhood's walk score? (My house rates 77)

Also in Surry Hills is Cloth. Julie and her designs are such an inspiration for me. Especially 18 months ago when I was thinking of taking my sketches a step further and venturing into textiles. I’m thrilled to now find pippijoe in the new edition of "Handmade in Melbourne". It’s been a wonderful and satisfying journey!

slings in sydney!

2009-07-14T10:14:00.005+10:00

First day back at kinder today and making the most of my time making up a pile of sling bag patterns to take along to the stitches and craft show! It's on in Sydney next month and I'm so excited to be going and spending time with all the crafty chicks!

makeover part one

2009-07-10T16:12:00.003+10:00

I'm doing this in a bit of a rush, I should be packing for weekend away! But today I picked up a newly upholstered chair and I just had to show it off. I found these two lovely 1940's (I'm guessing) chairs recently and took them along to the team at Martel for a spruce up.

I chose the nest fabric as it's a bit of a favourite of mine and am trying to decide which fabric to choose for the other chair. I'd like it matching, but not the same... any suggestions?

I'll take better pics of this one when the sun comes out! In the meantime I'm going to collect my warmest clothes and head off for a girlie weekend down the peninsula. Bye!

Stacking and packing

2009-07-09T13:56:00.003+10:00

I've been folding and sticking and packing and stacking. I have piles of fat quarters to take along to the sisters' market in Brunswick. I'll be there on the first of August, can't wait!

Off to Portside

2009-07-02T19:03:00.007+10:00

I've just finished packaging up a parcel to go to Kim at Udessi so she can add a little pippijoe flavour to the Boutique Markets at Portside in Brisbane. I've included a selection of fabrics, mix packs and a couple of 'oddments' packs perfect for little crafty adventures! Make sure you go and visit her on Sunday the 12th for her first market day, I've heard there'll be plenty of coffee and chocolate to keep you going!

Goody Two Shoes

2009-06-08T20:56:00.003+10:00

I have this friend who always appears so super-organised. She has recently finished working full time to spend some time at home with her two boys before baby number 3 appears in just a couple of weeks. To fill up all her spare hours, she has also started a short course in Interior Design.

Leaving here on Friday afternoon with two pieces of fabric and she has already covered two lamp shades, stretched some on a canvas and made 4 pairs of booties. Super woman!

Or maybe something to do with those 'nesting' hormones...

It's all Black and White

2009-06-04T17:29:00.004+10:00

New colourways (or lack of) in the shop. Daisies and Orchard and now in black on off white and white on black.

Brighten up!

2009-05-27T18:07:00.001+10:00

Winter is closing in around here but these new lamp shades are lighting up our place!

No sewing required!

2009-05-22T10:04:00.002+10:00

Leonie from raglan guld made these gorgeous fisherman pants using some of the buds fabric. The best part about these pants is that they're handmade to fit and you don't have to do any sewing! Just choose your fabric, send it off and voila! Your bespoke pants are made up and sent back to you - how easy is that?

Counter productive

2009-05-14T16:42:00.002+10:00

One of my favourite shops in the city is Craft Victoria's shop Counter, which is full to the brim with all sorts of crafty creations. If you work in the city, take a trip up Flinders Lane for a lunchtime peek! You might spot some pippijoe goodies!

psst... Red Orchards is now available in full width splendor! It's not in the shop, and I only have a couple of metres at the moment, but if you'd like some drop me a line!

all pretty

2009-05-12T19:10:00.003+10:00

I can't tell you how long we've waited for hair! At the ripe old age of two and a half we can finally have fun with hair-clips, pigtails and this headband with a flower made from the tussock fabric.

Shhh...

2009-05-07T20:51:00.000+10:00

Work in progress... don't tell mum!

Tussock in clay

2009-04-30T21:27:00.003+10:00

Maybe it's because my garden has completely gone to seed that I have to get my green thumb kicks from textiles.. My vegetable patch is still in the planning stage, but I hope to have something to show by the time spring sets in! Meanwhile, I'm just going to focus on some native grasses. Now in the shop!

In the bag!

2009-04-23T20:27:00.010+10:00

It's finished!

I have put together a pattern and instructions for making your very own sling bag and have had the pattern tested by a panel of experts.

The package includes instructions for the sling bag plus a mini sling version which is perfect for a young lady (my 2yo loves hers and is quite the girl about town!) or a grown up with little to carry! See it for yourself in the shop!

Clutched

2009-04-16T14:02:00.002+10:00

What a gorgeous clutch made by Leonie of Raglan Guld using Kara's pattern she adapted from Pip's book. I particularly like the combination of the daisies fabric with denim, and the bunny button is a sweet quirky touch!

Feather filled?

2009-04-09T14:00:00.004+10:00

These amazing cushions have been handmade by tara badcock, a very talented creative soul in Tasmania. The birds have been hand and machine embroidered and are simply stunning! For more of her feathered creations go here!

I have just set up a flickr group for pippijoe creations, I'd love to see what you have made so please add it to the group!

Stylin'

2009-04-05T17:03:00.004+10:00

Just thought I'd mention that ummm, I'm mentioned in Country Style magazine this month! Bit exciting really - especially that it's on the Eco pages and I'm in the midst of planning our new organic vegetable garden, settling the worms into their new home and generally working towards reducing our environmental impact and all...

Pebbles

2009-04-02T12:35:00.006+11:00

I've been waiting for some more fabric, and it is slowly making its way to me but I just couldn't wait to see this new design in the flesh, so jumped ahead and used the last of my stash on a quick little run. This colourway is now in the shop! Hopefully the new fabrics will arrive in the next week or two and I'll print this in a few more colours. I'm thinking eggshell blue and a pale caramel, but am open to suggestion..

Quick update - I've put a few pebbles and nests mix packs in the shop now too - enjoy!

Smooth and creamy

2009-04-01T19:26:00.005+11:00

This colour is so yummy I just want to eat it! If you made it to the Stitches & Craft Show recently you may have seen some of this milk chocolate at Kelani, in fact that's the only place you'll find this tasty little number! Limited colour, unlimited crafty goodness!

Finished!

2009-03-12T22:41:00.001+11:00

Custom pinboard all ready to go! Now off to bed!

Lovely Laundry

2009-03-06T16:11:00.002+11:00

Having spent a week where our only worries were of what to eat for the next meal, it's been a little difficult to get back into the swing of it all! I'm looking forward to visiting the stitches and craft show next week! So many lovely things to see!

New batch of Laundry Birds on my favourite hemp/cotton is now in the shop!

Getting some inspiration...

2009-02-21T14:17:00.003+11:00

We're taking advantage of a generous babysitting offer (my parents have driven from Brisbane with the dog in tow) to take off for a week 'as a couple'. Excited? yes! Know what we'll talk about without the kids around? ummm no...

Hopefully we'll work on that one...

Anyway, I've packed a notebook and pencils and plan to come back with a swag of new design ideas. This pic is of one I'm working on, you might see more of it when I return!

See you soon!

Change of plan

2009-02-13T10:49:00.006+11:00

Due to Ebay policies the auction I listed was removed from their site as they do not allow charities to be mentioned. I have now relisted the fabric pack in my shop.

*wow! All three have sold already!! thanks!

The proceeds have now been donated to the Red Cross.

Handmade Help

2009-02-10T10:51:00.009+11:00

I've just listed a large 200g mixed pack of pippijoe fabrics in my shop as part of Handmade Help.

Go on, you have some projects in mind don't you? Look here for inspiration!

**Ebay listing was cancelled by Ebay (sorry!), I have now listed 3 packs in my shop for $50 each. Please help a great cause!

Craft Auction for Charity

2009-02-09T18:16:00.004+11:00

It's great to see the community spring into action to help after such a horrific weekend. Cindy from Bug and Pop has a great plan (thanks to rummage) to organise a craft auction where all proceeds help those in need. She has set up a website Handmade Help dedicated to the cause. So if you happen to be crafty, please consider donating something you've created to the auction. I will.

Devastated

2009-02-09T11:51:00.004+11:00

Terrible stories are coming out of country Victoria after a weekend of ridiculously high temperatures, searing winds and fires. Donations can be made to 2009 Victoria Bushfire Appeal, Salvation Army or the Blood Bank.

This is me

2009-02-07T11:30:00.004+11:00

We've just started kinder here and with it has come a huge influx of drawings, paintings and other artworks. The walls are now decoupaged with the first week's creations and with the spare time that kinder brings, I've been busily making magnets in an attempt to keep the paper under control, somehow...

I've put a couple of three packs in the shop, you can see them here.

The Sun's out

2009-01-31T11:07:00.003+11:00

How hot is it? Seriously it hit 45 degrees yesterday (somewhere near 113F) !! I've been too limp to do anything but eat ice cream, which the kids happily agree is a perfectly healthy diet. I've also found enough additional energy to lie around and read, because there's this great article in today's herald sun... if you can drag yourself to the newsagent before it really heats up today!

Imprinted

2009-01-27T11:25:00.003+11:00

Nat, who writes the lovely and inspirational daily imprint asked me for a photo to go with a little interview she posted last week. I had all these plans for a glamorous shot showing some creativity and action, but the photo op (taken by photographer/husband/casual visitor) never eventuated so I took the pic myself.

Take a look at the book reviews on the right, I'm going to have to get reading!

Places to go

2009-01-20T10:44:00.004+11:00

It's always nice to see your creations about the place, and now there are two new places to find pippijoe! Oh, they also have other people's stuff too, which may be worth a look!

Rosie Pose in an online boutique with gorgeous gifts and inspired children's clothing. You can find some really beautiful and individual things there!

Udessi is a brand new online gallery featuring Australian artists, craftspeople and designers. Based in Brisbane (my home town!) Kim also writes a blog that is definitely worth a peek!

Keeping up appearances

2009-01-14T21:54:00.007+11:00

Nest lamp shade on Era base

Progress is happening, albeit slowly, but you get used to that around here, no need for high expectations or anything... Anyway, I thought I'd show off some of the drum light shades and lamps so you know I'm actually doing stuff. I'm getting a little 'range' together...

Hallway view with Drum light pendant

You'll see these on the pippijoe website once I get all the coding right.

Other stuff has been going on too, but more of that later..

Back on board for 2009

2009-01-07T12:53:00.003+11:00

We're back from the beach, sun, sand, fish and chips, ice cream, a new found love of cricket and sun kissed noses. I've got so many plans for this year, some already baking and a few still floating around in my mind. Sweet treasury on etsy was a lovely surprise to come home to!

Summer will come!

2008-12-12T11:14:00.009+11:00

I've been working on these for a while and launched the range at the market last week. Just in time for summer, which hasn't really kicked in here yet... but, should be here any day now!

Anyway, weather aside, the bags are made here in Melbourne using pippijoe fabrics (hemp or hemp/cotton) on the outside and lined with 100% cotton with a very strong magnetic clasp to hold them closed. The body of the bag has extra lining so it retains its shape even when full of festive goodies!

You can buy your own here or you could just get the fabric and make your own!

Talking of making your own, I could draw up the pattern or put some kits in the shop if you're interested?

little tees

2008-12-11T17:54:00.004+11:00

These kids tshirts are now in the shop! They are short sleeved little numbers in 100% cotton and are very cute on (and pretty sweet off, but probably in a crumpled heap on the floor). They are available in a range of sizes 0, 2, 4 and 6 in two designs.

By the way, I'm going to be taking a break next week and heading up to Brisbane for the festive season, so if you want anything before Christmas, please tell me by Monday 15th! I could leave my better half in charge, but we all agree that may not be for the best!

Carded

2008-12-10T11:06:00.004+11:00

I've recently printed new kiddy up cards to double my range to two designs! These are now available in the shop in packs of 5 and are shipped free to addresses within Australia! They are printed on recycled paper and come with complementary envelopes. Enjoy!